Cruising catamaran suggestions for under 300k

[MalDeTerre]

Looking for a cruising catamaran, for a couple mainly. Although family and friends are likely to be frequent short term crewmates.

Catamaran will be a liveaboard, start cruising in the Caribbean, then across the Pacific, maybe.

$300,000 max for both purchase and refit.

What would be your first choice?
How old?

Jim

[Rickm505]

There was a thread on this subject not too long ago. You might use the search feature and look around the forum as there's a lot of information here.

As I recall, The Admiral 38 was highly regarded, and had a price point in the low 200's for a 3 year old boat.

Rick in Florida

[sailingdog]

A couple of nice smaller cats that you might want to look at are the MaineCat 30, the TomCat 30 and the Gemini 105Mc. These are in the 30-35 range and have three cabins, with one being a "master cabin" layout.

The TomCat30 and the Gemini 105Mc are only 14' wide, and can often fit in a larger slip, rather than requiring an end-slip or mooring. New, these boats are in the $150-200,000 range, used they're a good deal less.

Going up to the next size of boats, those in the 35–40' range will generally be a huge jump in long-term costs, as most are considerably wider and bigger. You have to remember that a boat that is 40% longer is almost eight times as big in many ways...

Other catamarans that might be good choices include the Catalacs 9 & 10 Meter, the Prout SnowGoose, the Iroquois Mk II, the PDQs, and the Privilege 37.

I'd avoid the Charter Cats boats, based on some very serious problems that were well documented in their construction for at least one boat. Problems of that magnitude are generally not easily overlooked and point to serious issues with the manufacturing process.

Customer service is also an issue. This is one thing that is often apparent at the boat shows... go to one and see which booths have happy previous customers hanging about...and which do not...

[MalDeTerre]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

...The TomCat30 and the Gemini 105Mc are only 14' wide, and can often fit in a larger slip, rather than requiring an end-slip or mooring. New, these boats are in the $150-200,000 range, used they're a good deal less.
...Other catamarans that might be good choices include the Catalacs 9 & 10 Meter, the Prout SnowGoose, the Iroquois Mk II, the PDQs, and the Privilege 37.

SailingDog, you have me thinking!
There is a Prout SnowGoose Elite for sale here in the San Francisco bay area asking 89k...
Prout Snow Goose Elite 1987 Boat For Sale

Although it is a bit of a financial strain, I might be able to buy something like that while we are still working... This changes the picture.

I could berth it somewhere in the San Francisco bay. Refit it over a few years... sail on weekends.

The idea of launching the cruise from the North Pacific, that is a little scary.

Jim

[GySgt]

Originally Posted by MalDeTerre

SailingDog, you have me thinking!
There is a Prout SnowGoose Elite for sale here in the San Francisco bay area asking 89k...
Prout Snow Goose Elite 1987 Boat For Sale

Although it is a bit of a financial strain, I might be able to buy something like that while we are still working... This changes the picture.

I could berth it somewhere in the San Francisco bay. Refit it over a few years... sail on weekends.

The idea of launching the cruise from the North Pacific, that is a little scary.

Jim

Nice Cat, (checking his billfold for 89K)

[sailingdog]

That would definitely give you time to get familiar with the boat and customize it to suit your needs and sailing style.